Abstract
Geotourism is conserving earth-scientific and geographical resources while utilizing for research or educational purposes and finally integrating these resources into sustainable regional development. This framework coincides with that of a geopark. A geopark is an aggregate of geosites with scientific and aesthetic values such as unique landscapes, landforms, geological outcrops, and historical and geographical places. A geosite is also called a geoheritage or an earth heritage. “Earth heritage” is employed as the most suitable word for a valuable site in a geopark. The Japanese Association of Geographers intends to select remarkable 100 selections of earth heritages for constitute new geoparks.
